High Readers

[KS Teacher]

I have a group of about 7 very strong readers in my 5th grade classroom that read at the high school level and up. The difficulty that I have is selecting an appropriate novel at their reading level that is suitable to their maturity/age level as well. Do any of you have any suggestions on novels at the high school level that may be appropriate for them? Any genre would help at this point!

 

[sw]

Books

I am a librarian in a middle school, and one of the things that I notice about good readers is that they miss so many wonderful books because these books are below their reading level. Most students are required to read on their level not below, and if they read well quickly, they never get the chance to read some of the best kid's books. While I think students need to be challenged, I also think that reading is beneficial no matter the level. Instead of reading one book, why not have the students read an easier series of books over a certain period of time OR several books by one author. They can present a book talk/author talk to the class or make a display for the library. (Books on the fifth grade level that I think would be good include a series by Barron. There are five books called The Early Years of Merlin--fantasy based on Merlin's childhood.) Your librarian could help you with more. (Reading level of 5+ Lewis's Narnia Chronicles, Jacque's Redwall series, Wrede's Talking to Dragon series, Stewart and Riddell's Edge Chronicles. etc.)

Get a list of Newberry Award books or any other award winning books. Have students check off what they have read and then read those they have not. The level may be easy for them, but they will be reading outstanding books.

There are suggested reading lists all over the internet. I'm sure your librarian would be willing to make some suggestions and help you with this.

 

[musicbug]

There are books.....

.... for readers like that. I'm reading an excellent biography of Fredrick Douglass with my strong readers. There are many topics to discuss, from slavery to women's sufferage. I would alos suggest the Giver( seee other post). You can discuss ethics and individuality. Even the Bridge to Terribithia can bring about excellent discussions with this type of student. Your school most likely does not have books on their level. Add depth not difficulty, otherwise these kiddos will read the highschool level books again and again. Save the repetition of texts for the highschools. Let them be kids. Enjoy them.

 

[bzetchr]

Books for high readers

Hi KS ~
I have that same issue. The problem I have is with the content not being appropriate for a 5th grader. I try to not go more than 1-2 levels higher, but go "deeper" into the story with the student ~ higher level thinking and deeper literary responses.

I also agree with sw, the librarian. There are many great books out there they miss if they jump too many levels too fast. Author studies and independent contracts are a great way to expand their experiences.

Hope this helps

 

[fun_friend]

I agree with SW that it's okay for kids to read at or below their ability now and then. There's still much to be learned when reading is easy. They might be capable of reading athigh school levels, but that doesn't mean the interest is at the high school level too.

 

[KS Teacher]

I appreciate all of your suggestions. Missing out on books at or near their reading level is not an issue because our school also participates in the Accelerated Reader program. These children are consistently reading a number of books at their level. They are avid readers. The suggestions I was looking for is for small group study, such as the suggestions made of The Giver and Bridge to Terabithia. I just finished And Then There Were None, a fabulous mystery by Agatha Christie, that they didn't want to put down! Thank you very much for those suggestions. Someone else suggested The Pearl by John Steinbeck as well. Deep with emotion. Thanks again to all!

 

[fitzistone]

Higher level readers

I have a reading class that works above their grade level. We have read "The Westing Game" and "My Brother Sam is Dead". They thoroughly enjoyed both of these books. "Sam" is a little violent and has bad language and I asked parents to read/skim the book before the kids read it. The book goes along perfect for a review of the revolutionary war.

 

[NorCaliTeach]

My Brother Sam...

Ditto to fitzistone....

My higher readers are doing a lit. circle with "Sam" right now. They are SO into it! It's been amazing to see the level of interest. It does, however, have the bad language. I sent out a permission slip before I let the kids read it, and all of my parents allowed the students to participate (thank goodness!). I would highly recommend this book! :-)

 

[KS Teacher]

Thanks Fitzi and NorCali

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check into both of them!